Technology

Technology has primary responsibility for promoting the effective use of technology to achieve FSA’s strategic objectives through sound technology planning and investments, integrated technology architectures and standards, effective systems development and production support. Technology core business functions and processes include:

In addition, the CIO front office also manages the integration of all business process re-engineering and systems implementations across the enterprise to ensure that the developed and deployed capabilities align with the enterprise business architecture and meet Federal Student Aid's performance goals. Integration activities include: developing and maintaining the enterprise vision, sequencing plan, and related integration artifacts and coordinating and tracking integration activities.

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Application Development Group is responsible for full life cycle development of mainframe and distributed applications for FSA, in support of the channels and functional areas. Provide a suite of online services and information to meet the specific needs and interests of the student financial aid community by using the technology of the Internet and other electronic functions and processes to reduce costs, cycle time, and paperwork. Identifying opportunities to develop innovative tools and services to improve customer service, reduce the overall cost of delivering student aid, and improve employee satisfaction. Specifically, Application Development:

Designs, tests, and implements computer systems to support the needs of the channels and functional areas.

INFRASTRUCTURE OPERATIONS GROUP

The Infrastructure Operations Group is responsible for planning, managing, operating, and maintaining FSA’s development, test, and production environment technical infrastructure, including the Virtual Data Center, and FSA internet and intranet infrastructure. Infrastructure Operations Group performs the following major functions and activities in coordination with ED/OCIO:
FSA Web Master:

Coordinates content development with business areas owning the content.

Maintains the Internet and intranet sites and manages the change control process for implementing changes to the production environment.

Telecommunications:

Provides liaison with the Department's Office of the Chief Information Officer to ensure appropriate telecommunication services are provided to support program delivery.

Provides system processing activities and production support to meet the needs of the Channels and functional areas (e.g., application processing, payment processing, loan servicing, consolidation, collections).

ENTERPRISE IT ARCHITECTURE & STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP

Enterprise IT Architecture and Strategic Infrastructure Group is responsible for providing enterprise-wide technology planning and oversight, development and maintenance of technology architecture, development and promulgation of technology standards, and providing the necessary processes and discipline to ensure that FSA is investing in and using information technology wisely. Enterprise IT Architecture & Strategic Infrastructure Group performs the following major functions and activities in coordination with ED/CIO:
Technology Planning:

Develops and communicates a consolidated, consistent information technology vision and strategy for FSA.

Researches, analyzes, tests, and plans for the implementation of new techniques.

Provides expert analysis, advice, guidance, and support for the acquisition of technologies and technology related services.

Conducts in-depth research and analysis and forms partnerships with industry experts, other Federal agencies, and Departmental staff, to identify proven "best practice" processes and tools.

Facilitates the transition of proven tools and services to FSA customer Channels.

Keeps up-to-date with emerging technology and Internet trends and recognizes and acts on the implications of technological changes prior to and when they occur.